Dr. No
{3/5} “That’s a Smith and Wesson, and you’ve had your six.”
Dr. No, released in 1962
British secret agent James Bond is sent to Jamaica to investigate the disappearance of an intelligence operative. While there he meets Felix Leiter of the CIA. The Americans are worried about some radio interference in their rocket launches. Leiter has searched everywhere, except for an island called Crab Key — owned by a man named Dr. No.
The world of James Bond is presented to us in media res — he’s been an agent for some time. M and Moneypenny are here, as are Bond’s frequent brief relationships with women.
The world of James Bond is a dangerous one — he uses his wits and strength to solve the problems in his way.
Sean Connery looks shockingly young if you’re used to the way he looks in, say, The Hunt for Red October.
It was probably great the first time — there are certainly some clever parts — but on repeated viewing it’s a bit boring (I feel the same way about Alien, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope).
This was the very first James Bond movie, based on the book by Ian Fleming. It was also the very first movie partially filmed in Jamaica.
Stars Sean Connery and Ursula Andress. Directed by Terence Young.
The music is by Monty Norman, although John Barry also had a hand in it. The James Bond theme, one of the greatest themes ever, is played a bit too often, seemingly without variation.
This is probably the third time I’ve seen it.